Tariq Drabu Says Students Need Practical Experience As Well As Quality Academic Learning

Tariq Drabu, the renowned dentist, is the owner of the highly successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton, Manchester. He is also the Clinical Lead Dentist for the Oral Surgery Clinical Assessment and treatment Services for NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale. Speaking recently, he was discussing recently published concerns that UK students are not getting enough practical dental experience.

Tariq Drabu was speaking in reference to a recently published article in the Dentistry website. The article discusses the lack of patients available to student dentists from Glasgow University and can be read here.

The article highlights a problem that many dental students are facing. Tariq Drabu told us, “It is shocking to read that Glasgow University students are failing their degrees because they do not have enough clinical cases to practice on. As a teacher and mentor of undergraduate and postgraduate students in dental medicine, I fully understand the importance of providing students with a balance of practical and theoretical learning. It is vital for them to have both in order to gain the necessary skills they will need to graduate as fully qualified dentists. This is such an important aspect of dental medicine.”

The article discusses a recent report in the Herald Scotland, which says students need more patients to practice on. And without these patients, they are at risk of falling behind. Tariq Drabu continued by saying, “This is a problem for students all over the UK, not just in Scotland. While it is a serious concern, I am glad that it has been highlighted. My hope is that the Glasgow University students will soon have access to the patients they need, and that this problem will encourage other universities to address the problem too.”

He went on to explain why practical experience is so important, saying, “Dental students need to experience treating patients in order to put their learning into practice. Their knowledge of dental medicine is essential, but they also need to understand how to speak to patients, treat them, and support and help them. This can only be achieved with opportunities to treat real patients. There is widespread concern for example that newly qualified dentists struggle with even simple dental extractions. Dentistry at the end of the day is a practical profession and if we do not have dentists who are practically capable of performing routine dental procedures than we have a problem.” Tariq Drabu has always been a strong advocate of excellence in dental medicine, and he has dedicated his career to supporting and teaching students in dental medicine. He believes that the dental profession has a responsibility to pass on its knowledge and expertise in order to nurture the next generation of dentists.

The University has been advertising for patients but it seems that there is not a steady supply of people willing to come forward for treatments. Treating patients is a vital part of their studies. And this practical experience is also an essential part of their final mark toward their dental degrees.

In closing Tariq Drabu said, “If students have not completed enough procedures during the year, they will not have gained enough points to pass. This is a serious situation and it is something that I have heard many students express concerns about. I believe dentists and universities should work together to inform the public and attract more volunteers. Without a steady supply of patients they are unable to complete their studies, and this is not acceptable. I feel certain this is about effective marketing because I have no doubt there are many people out there who require dental care and who could benefit from the treatments given by student dentists.”

About Dr. Tariq Drabu

Dr. Tariq Drabu is a highly experienced and well known Manchester dentist and GDC registrant. He is accredited as a Specialist in Oral Surgery by the General Dental Council. Dr. Tariq Drabu practices at his Langley Dental Practice in Manchester. Dr. Drabu is a leading name in dentistry, with more than 25 years’ experience in both general practice and hospital dentistry. Dr. Tariq Drabu is also the Clinical Lead Dentist for the Oral Surgery Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. He is a specialist staff member at The UCLan Dental Clinic in Preston.